When Should You Put Your Kids into IGCSE Schools?

Changing schools is never easy, but switching curriculums is a whole different story. It will always be difficult to change from a CBC school into an IGCSE school in Kenya, but timing has a key role in how difficult that transition will be. 

Let’s examine the process of transitioning school curriculums in Kenya and look at when the best time to transition is. 

Is It Hard to Go from CBC to IGCSE?

There are three main hurdles that are difficult for students going from CBC to IGCSE in Kenya: academic calendar, teaching styles, and assessments.

IGCSE has a different timeline for subjects than the CBC system while also having a different core focus for the curriculum. The timelines don’t usually line up, meaning students going from one curriculum to the other may not have the right foundational knowledge. 

In terms of the curriculum, CBC focuses heavily on practical skills and continuous assessment while the IGCSE curriculum often requires a shift toward more traditional, exam-focused learning and a broader range in subjects. This change in educational philosophy can be challenging, as students have to adapt quickly to different expectations for learning and proving their knowledge.

When to Transition from CBC to IGCSE Schools 

When switching from the local CBC system to an international IGCSE school, timing is everything. The smoothest transition points usually come after key stages in the CBC. 

Most families look at switching after Grade 3 or after Grade 6. Moving after Grade 3 lets the child jump into IGCSE’s Key Stage 2 early on. Switching after Grade 6 is also easy, as they can start Key Stage 3, or Year 7, in the international system without a lot of issues. 

Your Needs & Chosen School

The best time will not be the same for everyone. It’s going to vary a lot based on the student’s needs, each specific IGCSE school’s rules, and the family’s future plans. Switching earlier in primary school gives the child more time to get used to the IGCSE’s different testing style, but moving later is always possible. 

Some international schools also offer special catch-up classes and support. IGCSE schools in Kenya may also have counselors who can be helpful in coming up with a plan to transition school systems. 

Can You Join IGCSE in the Middle of the Term?

Joining an IGCSE school in the middle of a term can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. The Cambridge IGCSE system moves at a different pace than the CBC curriculum, and the exams are often based on continuous learning throughout the term. Missing even a few weeks means catching up on quite a bit of new material, which can be tough for anyone. Short-term tutoring can be a big help in allowing students space to catch up.

Some schools in Kenya are more flexible for those who are transitioning into IGCSE, especially for younger primary students. They might have special arrangements, like extra tutoring or a phased entry, to help students settle in and catch up without feeling too overwhelmed. If there’s an IGCSE school you have your eye on, check if they have any recommendations about when a pupil should switch to their curriculum. 

“Best” Does Not Mean “Only”

While it’s easier to transition school systems early, the best option is not the only option. Students can be highly successful no matter when they change systems, as long as they’re willing and able to put in the effort and fill in gaps in their knowledge. It may require more work the later they join, but it’s still an option. 

The best time to switch to IGCSE is often in natural breaks during the CBC curriculum, such as the switch from primary to secondary, but even in other times it’s still possible for students to make the move. Because there can be different challenges for students at various levels, read what you can and make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into before you start a move!